Crappie

Crappie fishing around Flanagan, Illinois, is best pursued in the numerous small lakes, ponds, and reservoirs scattered throughout the region. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them around brush piles, submerged timber, and weed beds in depths of 4-8 feet. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits. In the summer, crappie tend to move deeper, so focus on areas with structure in cooler water. Don't overlook farm ponds, as they can often hold surprisingly large crappie populations. Access to these ponds may require permission from the landowner, so always ask before fishing. Local anglers often have success at nearby public lakes like Evergreen Lake, though it's a bit of a drive. The crappie in these smaller waters tend to be relatively fast-growing, offering good opportunities for catching a mess for a fish fry.